Tim Krul at Newcastle – Success or Unfulfilled Potential?

On Wednesday, it was announced that long-serving Goalkeeper Tim Krul would make his move to Brighton and Hove Albion, from Newcastle United, permanent. Krul was a mainstay in a Newcastle squad that saw nine permanent managers during his eleven years at the club. His departure has had a mixed reception on Tyneside with many believing Krul had some great stand out performances but his time was marred with injuries at pivotal moments for him in his career.

SUCCESSES

Right from the off, Tim Krul stamped his authority at Newcastle with a stellar, man of the match performance in the Stadio Renzo Barbera, against Palermo in the UEFA Cup. Krul, just 18 years old at the time, made a string of great saves which allowed an Albert Luque winner to put Newcastle top of Group H. Despite failing to cement a starting position for another six years, Krul was a great understudy to Shay Given and later Steve Harper.

Clearly Krul’s potential was noticed at Newcastle as his tenure at the club lasted longer than promising talents such as Fraser Forster who followed Krul through the academy system. His role in the 2011/12 season and the subsequent Europa League campaign solidified Krul as Newcastle’s number one. His position remained intact until injuries plagued his 2015/16 season where Rob Elliott and Karl Darlow replaced him as number one.

UNFULFILLED POTENTIAL

Krul was undoubtedly Newcastle United’s best goalkeeper for half-a-decade and whilst being a Premier League goalkeeper is nothing to be ashamed of, Tim Krul may look back at his time in Newcastle and regret missed opportunities. Certainly injuries severely impacted the latter stages of his time at United and his wages meant Newcastle couldn’t afford to keep him on their books last season, however, Krul oversaw two relegations and arguably played in a period where Newcastle were lacklustre at best. Clearly Krul was not fully responsible for this but as a proudly adopted Geordie, he will be down-heartened at the fact he did not have more success as Newcastle United’s number one.